Guide · 5 min read · Updated November 10, 2026

How to Set the Time on a G-SHOCK (GA-2100, DW-5600, DW-6900)

Short answer

To set a G-SHOCK, enter the setting mode with the A button, move between settings with C, change the flashing value, then press A again to save. On the GA-2100 you hold A until the city code appears; on the DW-5600 and DW-6900 you press A once and the seconds flash. The exact steps for each model are below, taken from Casio's operation guides.

Before you start: check the module number

The buttons are lettered in Casio's operation guides: on these watches A is the upper-left button and C is the lower-left button. The steps depend on the module inside the watch, a four-digit number in a box on the case back.

This guide covers module 5611 (GA-2100), module 3229 (DW-5600) and module 3230 (DW-6900). Newer DW-5600 and DW-6900 watches use modules 3525 and 3529; if your case back shows a different number, use Casio's operation guide for that module.

How to set the time on a G-SHOCK GA-2100 (module 5611)

The GA-2100 sets its digital time by Home City, and the hands follow the digital time.

Step 1: In Timekeeping Mode, hold down A until the flashing SET indicator disappears and a city code appears.
Step 2: Press D (+) or B (−) to choose the city code for your time zone.
Step 3: Press C to move to the daylight saving time setting, and press D or B to turn it ON or OFF.
Step 4: Press C again to step through the 12/24-hour format, seconds, hour, minute, year, month and day. Change each flashing value with D and B.
Step 5: Press A to save and return to Timekeeping Mode.

GA-2100: the time is off by an hour, or by several hours

If the time is off by exactly one hour, the daylight saving time setting is wrong: repeat the steps above and switch DST on or off. If it is off by several hours, the Home City is wrong: choose the city code for your own time zone.

GA-2100: the hands do not match the digital time

Strong magnetism or an impact can move the hands out of alignment. Casio's procedure resets them.

Step 1: In Timekeeping Mode, hold down A for at least five seconds, until SUB starts to flash.
Step 2: If the day-of-the-week hand is not pointing at SU, move it there with D and B.
Step 3: Press C. The display flashes 0:00.
Step 4: If the hour and minute hands are not at 12 o'clock, move them there with D (+) and B (−).
Step 5: Press A to finish, then check that the hands match the digital time.

How to set the time on a G-SHOCK DW-5600 (module 3229)

The DW-5600 sets time and date directly.

Step 1: In Timekeeping Mode, press A. The seconds flash.
Step 2: Press C to move through seconds, hour, minutes, year, month and day.
Step 3: While the seconds flash, press B to reset them to 00. While any other value flashes, press B to increase it.
Step 4: Press D while a value is flashing to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time.
Step 5: Press A to save. The day of the week sets itself from the date.

How to set the time on a G-SHOCK DW-6900 (module 3230)

The DW-6900 works like the DW-5600, with one different button.

Step 1: In Timekeeping Mode, press A. The seconds flash.
Step 2: Press C to move through seconds, hour, minutes, year, month and day.
Step 3: While the seconds flash, press E to reset them to 00. While any other value flashes, press E to increase it.
Step 4: Press D while a value is flashing to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time.
Step 5: Press A to save. The day of the week sets itself from the date.

Does a custom bezel change how you set the watch?

No. A bezel or mod kit changes the outside of the watch only. The buttons, the module and every setting step stay the same, as long as the new bezel lets each button press freely.

Common questions

How do I set the time on a G-SHOCK GA-2100?

Hold A until the SET indicator disappears and a city code appears, choose your city code with D and B, press C to step through DST, 12/24-hour format, seconds, hour, minute and date, then press A to save.

Why is my G-SHOCK one hour off?

On a GA-2100 the daylight saving time setting is usually the cause. Hold A until the city code appears, press C once to reach the DST setting, and switch it with D or B.

How do I move the GA-2100 hands out of the way of the display?

Press B and C at the same time. The hands move aside so you can read the digital display; press B and C together again to bring them back.

How do I change a G-SHOCK between 12-hour and 24-hour time?

On the DW-5600 and DW-6900, press D while a value is flashing in the setting mode. On the GA-2100, the 12/24-hour format is the third setting: hold A, then press C twice.

Where is the manual for my G-SHOCK?

Casio publishes an operation guide for each module. Read the four-digit module number in the box on your case back and look up that number on Casio's support site.